How to avoid problems with your pet? And we are not talking about cat litter at all from a hygiene point of view. Although, if you think about it, it’s just about the toilet. Nail, so to speak.
While the kitten is small, it does not understand that it is releasing its claws and causing pain to its owner by scratching his hands. Or that you shouldn’t tear up walls, furniture and clothes - these are not things for “scratching your claws.” Therefore, it will be easiest to trim your pet’s nails. At what age can a kitten’s claws be trimmed? Is it necessary to do it at all? We'll tell you in more detail below.
Why trim your nails?
This question interests all cat owners. Domestic cats need to have their claws cut because, unlike street animals, they do not walk on asphalt, stones, or climb trees, where they can take care of their claws themselves. Long claws interfere with the movement of pets and also cause them discomfort. If you do not trim your animal's claws, there is a chance that it will begin to sharpen them on upholstered furniture. But you don’t want this outcome, do you? Therefore, to make life easier for the animal and you, carry out this procedure at an early age.
But if you sometimes let your cat out on the street, then do not cut the claws, because the animal needs them for protection. Even partially outdoor cats can take care of their claws themselves, actively running and climbing trees.
If your pet occasionally goes outside, you are putting him at great risk. As a result, the animal will become easy prey for dogs. And with the help of sharp claws, the cat will protect itself from dogs and other cats.
Caring for a kitten's claws
A procedure such as caring for a kitten’s claws should begin from the very first days of the kitten’s stay with you. Firstly, the animal must immediately learn to sharpen its claws in a strictly defined place, so it needs a scratching post. These devices are made of hemp, sesal or carpet, and it will be better if the breeder tells you which one your pet is accustomed to.
Kittens' nails should also be trimmed. Of course, caring for a one-month-old kitten does not yet require this, but older kittens need to be taught this procedure from childhood.
At what age can you cut your hair?
The second most important question in this matter is: when should you start trimming your nails? Some veterinarians suggest accustoming an animal to trimming its claws from 2-3 months, others from 3-4 months. This is the optimal age for introducing the procedure into animal care. The sooner you start doing this, the faster your pet will get used to these actions and at the sight of scissors or nippers he will not hiss, bite or hide from you, hoping that you will leave him alone. After all, the older the pet, the more difficult it will be for him to get used to the haircut.
Kitten care: everything you need
As a rule, caring for a kitten begins even before this little miracle appears in your home. In this sense, the care and maintenance of kittens involves the preparation of several important things: food bowls, sleeping mats, a toilet and, of course, toys. In addition, you will need a scratching post, brushes for combing your pet, and shampoos for washing. Regardless of what breed your pet belongs to - long-haired or short-haired, from early childhood it should be taught to comb its hair, as well as bathe and clean its teeth and ears.
Finally, you may also need a cat house in which your pet will live. There is no point in buying one in advance, because caring for kittens is a very delicate matter, and it is better to first observe the pet and learn at least some of its habits, so as not to buy a house that is completely unsuitable for it.
Nail trimming and breed
You may be wondering: is there a connection between breed and how often you trim your nails? Veterinarians will tell you that it all depends on the breed of the animal. Therefore, this factor affects how often you trim your pet's nails.
So, according to veterinarians, British dogs should have their nails trimmed every three weeks, as in this breed they grow back quite quickly.
Nail trimming for a Briton
For example, Scottish cats have claws that grow more slowly. In this regard, trimming the claws can be done less frequently. The main thing is to monitor the condition of the nail plate and the pet’s paws in general.
Representatives of the Persian or Sphynx breeds have claws that grow faster than those of other cats. Therefore, monitor nail growth and treat them every two weeks.
The main thing is not to overdo it. It is better to cut less, but more often. If you cut off too much of the nail, you risk injuring the animal. Be careful!
But do not forget that each pet is individual. And therefore, all domestic cats require an individual approach
How often does it need to be trimmed?
It is impossible to answer this unequivocally. It all depends on the lifestyle and individual characteristics of the pet. The period between haircuts can be up to 2 weeks or once a month. Cats with black color should carry out the procedure very carefully. The minimum length should be removed, since the pulp is not marked at all. It is recommended to carry out treatment no more than once a week. Long-haired cats and sphinxes need to do this more often; they are susceptible to rapid growth and keratinization of their claws. People often ask: “The cat’s claws are crumbling and peeling—what should I do?” Of course, get a haircut!
Attention! A cat's claws need to be trimmed correctly. In the middle there is a pulp with a blood vessel, where the color is pink. If you touch this area, the cat will be in great pain and will bleed. If this happens, you need to quickly treat the wound site with any antiseptic, for example, hydrogen peroxide, and stop the bleeding.
How to cut your hair correctly: main steps
If this is your first time cutting your cat's claws, take the time to look at the angle at which it should be done. An incorrectly chosen angle can lead to delamination of the animal’s claws. Another important rule: cut only the part that is rounded. Looking at the claw, you may notice that there are blood vessels there. It is important not to hurt them! This will cause discomfort and pain to your pet.
How to trim claws correctly
Video: how to trim a cat's claws
From this video, owners of tailed animals will be able to find out in what cases their pets should be trimmed, and when it is better to refrain from this procedure. The clinic veterinarian and her assistant clearly demonstrated how to trim a cat’s long claws without harming the animal, what tools to use for this, and how to hold the animal and its claw.
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To ensure that the haircut is painless and does not cause injury to the animal, you should carefully examine the object of the procedure. Study the structure of the plate to understand where the so-called pulp (soft part) ends. The claws of some cats are clearly visible in the light, and it will be easily noticeable. The pulp should not be touched under any circumstances to avoid bleeding, which could cause inflammation.
Using a nail clipper
Before using the nail clipper, treat its surface with an alcohol-containing product, which will help prevent infection.
Take the time to wash your hands before trimming your nails and rinse them with a disinfectant to prevent the spread of any infection.
What tools can you use to trim a cat's claws? Can I cut my hair with regular scissors?
Any owner wants to know how to cut their pet's nails. Nowadays there are different devices for cutting hair. It all depends on the desire of the owner, and which of the devices will be more convenient for him to use.
It's not a good idea to trim your pet's nails with regular nail scissors that you use on yourself. Since the nail plate of humans and animals is different, it is better to choose a special nail clipper for your pet. But if you don't have tools designed specifically for your animal, make sure your regular scissors are well-sharpened and not loose. The quality of the device determines how the procedure will go.
Scissors
One of the options for trimming cats' claws is specially shaped scissors. They differ from ordinary ones in that they have a rounded end, which is shaped like a cat's claw.
Nail trimming scissors
Guillotine
The name of this device may put you off buying it. But don't panic! It will not cause any harm to your pet if used correctly. The guillotine operates on the principle of scissors. She removes the excess part of the nail. If you still don’t like the name, you can choose another tool that interests you.
Guillotine
Secateurs
Another device that may scare you with its name. Outwardly, it resembles a garden device of the same name. Only cat claw pruners are smaller in size and have a different shape of scissor blades, at the end of which there is also a special cutout in the shape of a cat's claw.
Secateurs
Grinder
An electric scratching post resembles a polishing file that people use for manicures. Only the device for cats has less power. It works on the principle of grinding down an animal's claws. This device is usually used in veterinary clinics and animal salons. The tool comes with stoppers for safe filing of claws. But if this is the first time in your life that you are giving your pet a manicure, use a different tool, since the grinder requires skill and experience.
Grinder
File
This tool will help you finish trimming your pet's nails. The file operates on the same principle as a human file: it grinds down the sharp edges of the claws after they are cut with some kind of nail cutter.
File
There are times when owners do not want to trim their cats' claws. For this case, veterinarians came up with claw covers. These are caps that are attached to the glue that comes with the kit. The animal needs time to get used to the anti-scratch. If the pads are glued correctly, they will not cause harm or danger to your pet. They will fly off on their own along with the keratinized part of the nail, so this manicure must be carried out regularly and not miss the moment.
Anti-scratch
Trimming stages
Castration of dogs: at what age and is it necessary?
Haircut consists of several stages. Compliance with them will allow the procedure to be carried out correctly and not harm the pet. It is necessary not only to correctly choose the place where the incision will be made, but also to select the right tool.
Reference! If the cat has a violent temperament, it is better to carry out the procedure with several people rather than alone. Then everything will go faster, and the owner will reduce the risk of being scratched and bitten.
Selecting a location
You can't just take a claw and cut where you want. In this area the animal has many nerve endings and blood vessels that form the pulp. If it is damaged, blood will begin to flow from the nail area, and the pet will be in pain. Therefore, you should choose the right place. It is permissible to remove no more than 2 mm of the stratum corneum, cutting off only its upper part. If the owner is not sure that he can cope, it is worth contacting specialists. The first procedure must be carried out carefully, acting with extreme caution.
Using a nail clipper
There are several different tools available to carry out the procedure. One of these is a nail clipper. The principle of its operation is similar to nail scissors. At the ends of the tool there are special cutouts located vertically. They help to quickly and safely remove part of the nail.
When using a nail clipper, proceed as follows:
- With your left hand, carefully take the cat's paw and lightly press on the pad. This will allow the animal to release its claws;
- Take the tool with your right hand and cut off a maximum of 2 mm from the tip. It is better to be careful and cut a little than to harm your pet and hurt him;
- Using a nail clipper, you need to place your nail between the cutouts of the tool and bring the ends together.
The more carefully and calmly everything goes, the more likely it is that next time the pet will resist and be less nervous.
Anti-scratch for cats
Can I cut my hair with regular scissors?
It has already been noted that there are special tools for trimming claws. Some people wonder whether it is possible to use ordinary scissors to perform the procedure, and if not, then why? By deciding to do this, the owner risks harming the animal. It is strictly forbidden to use standard scissors and other tools from a regular manicure set. Especially if the objects are not sharp, but blunt. They can split the claws, cutting will take a long time and the cat may be hurt.
Important! The only exception is the sanding file. It can be used to treat the animal’s nails after the procedure.
You can purchase special tools for cats at pet stores or veterinary pharmacies.
How to prepare a cat for the first procedure?
You should not trim the claws if your dog is too active and excited, as he may mistake it for violent actions, which will scare him away more. Therefore, choose a time when the kitten is calm, or better yet, when he is very tired. This way he won’t try to escape and won’t get too stressed. Remember the following rule: do not make slow movements when trimming nails, as this may begin to irritate the animal. It will begin to get nervous and break out of the owner’s hands, which will subsequently lead to damage or even injury.
Pet your pet, give him his favorite delicacy. By appeasing your pet, it will be easier for him to make contact with you, and he will be less aggressive before starting the procedure.
And most importantly, you need to talk to the animal. After all, he is also a living creature and loves when the owner speaks to him kindly.
Advice! Remember, the calmer the owner, the more obedient the animal.
So prepare yourself in advance, calm down and tune in, because an animal, even a small one, understands the feelings of its owner.
If the animal still breaks out and becomes nervous, do not yell at it. This will make him even more nervous, which will frighten the animal in the future during the next haircut.
You might think your friend is in pain during the procedure. But if you do everything correctly and at the same time without sudden or too slow movements, then your pet will be satisfied.
Removal
At what age can a kitten's nails be trimmed? How should an adult cat cut them? Do you need to go to the clinic every time? At home, on your own? No, your hand won't rise. We'll have to carry it. And this will take time. Remove these claws once and for all. Moreover, why does the cat need them? Should I sit at home with my claws? Only the sofa spoils the wallpaper, he ignores the scratching post, he’s a bad creature. This is a bunch of questions swirling around in the owners’ heads.
The owner loves his animal and wants to do the best for everyone. It would be nice to rid the kitten of its claws, as it doesn’t seem to need them at all. And yourself - from problems with damage from these very claws. Just before taking your pet for surgery to remove them, you need to think several times. Is it worth it?
As mentioned above, in animals without claws the functioning of the musculoskeletal system is impaired. And that is not all. A cat, deprived of its main support and tool for protection, experiences extreme stress. Once outside, such an animal will die immediately. He has no chance of salvation.
Here the emphasis has been long and persistently placed on the musculoskeletal system. Someone will be surprised what claws have to do with it. The thing is that during the declawing operation, the phalanges of the cat’s fingers are cut off. Imagine that a person has been partially deprived of his toes. How will he walk after this? And now it becomes clear what it’s like for the cat.
What to do if damaged?
If, however, damage occurs to the animal while trimming its nails, stop immediately and begin treating the injury or wound. To begin, prepare some cotton pads and anti-bleeding agents so you have everything at hand. If the injury is more serious than you thought, try to stop the bleeding and go to the vet. He will tell you what to do and what to do next.
Once you've finished trimming his nails, treat your friend to his favorite treat.
Advice: do not force the animal to cut its nails and do not mock it while trimming its claws, because this way it will avoid not only this procedure, but possibly you as well.
But if you still do not plan to do the first procedure on your own, carry out this haircut under the supervision of a veterinarian. A certified specialist will tell you how to handle the tool and the animal, and tell you how to avoid injuries. He will also give advice on how to make the procedure less stressful for all participants in the process.
What to do if your cat has peeling claws
The claws may delaminate due to the natural process of renewal of the horny covering. Another reason: the animal lacks the nutrients necessary for normal metabolism. This is possible because the cat's declawing was done incorrectly. Detachment in an animal occurs within two months. When a cat sharpens his claws himself, he can remove their top layer on his own.
If the claws begin to peel off frequently, but trimming is going well, this may mean that there is not enough calcium in the animal’s body. In this case, you should contact your veterinarian to help prescribe the correct diet for your pet. The cat should always have a scratching post so that he can get rid of excess horny formations. The animal should be accustomed to it from early childhood.
WHAT ARE THERE ARE NAIL CUTTERS?
There are two types of nail clippers. Both of them resemble rounded eyebrow tweezers. The first model is called a guillotine - it is usually used for “pedicures” on large dogs. These scissors work great on large, thick nails. For smaller dogs, a different tool. It is similar in shape to the first one, but not as big.
By the way, puppies have their nails trimmed with cat scissors. If your pet is uncomfortable with the new shape of its claws, you can buy a special nail file to smooth out the unevenness.
Treatment and prevention of wounds
In order for the procedure to take place without pain and injury, it is necessary to prepare the dog mentally, give it sedatives based on herbs to dull nervous excitability. A hyperactive dog can be medicated and placed on a leash.
If the pulp is injured, bleeding may occur.
To stop it, you will need special wipes, talcum powder, baby powder or regular flour. Damaged skin should not be treated with fucorcin, alcohol solutions, iodine or brilliant green, as this will bring additional pain and stress to the pet.
If a dog jerks its paw while trimming its claws and the plate explodes, it is necessary to calm it down and distract it. In the area of the metatarsus, grab it with gauze or a bandage and secure it well.
To relieve swelling, pain, and stop bleeding, apply ice, frozen meat or other cold, wrapped in cotton or cellophane. For open ruptures, you can use pharmaceutical preparations - a solution of lidocaine or novocaine as a lotion, and then visit a veterinarian.
In case of any injury, cutting the claws further is not recommended. You should also not allow your dog near water to avoid infection.
